Chapter 41: Lynn's Suggestion

"So, you're not actually here to see me. You discovered that Detective Zerel might be controlled by someone else and got chased by the mob, so you want to hire Sherlock to investigate Zerel?"

Inside 15 Minsk Street, Lynn stroked his chin thoughtfully as he summarized Ian's explanation.

Despite Lynn being an unexpected factor, Ian's experience wasn't much different from the original story. After accidentally discovering Zerel Victor Lee's disappearance, Ian found himself pursued by the mob. Seeking help from other detectives, he was told that they had recently seen Zerel Victor Lee.

Under these circumstances, Ian mistakenly believed that Zerel wasn't harmed but was under someone else's control. Thus, he approached Sherlock Moriarty, a newcomer detective in Backlund, to investigate Zerel Victor Lee's situation.

Had he seen Detective Zerel? The report didn't mention this, but the church confirmed Zerel's death. So… could it be the Faceless? Klein, who was listening, touched the black glove on his left hand, suspecting this.

"Yes," Ian nodded, his red eyes full of fear. "I really don't know what to do anymore..."

Then, Ian looked at Lynn with a glimmer of hope and asked, "Detective Sotos, you disappeared around the same time as Detective Zerel. Since you're here, does that mean Detective Zerel..."

"He's dead," Lynn shook his head, crushing Ian's hope without mercy. He rubbed his temples, clearly annoyed, "I saw his body... Honestly, I almost became a corpse because of your mess."

"Corpse..." Ian repeated the word, looking visibly disappointed but not too surprised, as if he had mentally prepared for this outcome.

"Okay..." Ian exhaled and then said, "Detective Sotos, can you take me to see the body? I'll pay for it as a commission."

"I advise you against it," Lynn lowered his hand from his temple, looking at Ian with a cold and authoritative expression, "I know your identity, I know Zerel's identity, and I understand the essence of this matter..."

Ian's pupils shrank instantly, and he unconsciously stepped back half a step.

Lynn continued calmly, "If I'm not mistaken, you want to see the body because Zerel had something on him to contact your superior, right?"

After two seconds of silence, Ian nodded, "Yes."

Lynn looked at him and continued, "I'm almost certain there's a traitor in your intelligence network, probably Zerel Victor Lee's superior. Only this could explain how, after Zerel reported to his superior, the Intis spies knew everything immediately."

"In this situation, if you contact them directly, what do you think will happen to you?"

Lynn's calm tone made Ian even more terrified. He almost immediately pictured various gruesome ways he could die and couldn't help but say, "What should I do now?"

Ian had managed to stay calm earlier because he thought he could rely on his superior. Now, learning that his superior might be the traitor, he was understandably panicked.

"If I were you, I'd report this matter to the Loen authorities, like the Evernight Church," Lynn said unhurriedly. He looked much more reliable than before, even exuding an air of authority that made people trust him.

"Although you were raised by Zerel, the Fynapotter spy, you haven't done anything harmful to Loen. If you report this matter and help the Evernight Church find the Turani von Helmosuin manuscript, your merits will offset your past mistakes. The Evernight Church won't hold your past against you, and you'll get protection to safely weather this crisis," Lynn continued with an impassive expression.

"Otherwise, you'll just wait for the Intis spies to find you and pay the price in blood."

Upon hearing this, Ian's expression didn't change, but Klein and Leonard's did. The two genuine Nighthawks hadn't expected Lynn to give Ian such advice.

No wonder he became an informant for the church. He really does have a soft spot for the church... Klein thought, while nodding in agreement.

"Although I'm not sure what you've gotten yourself into, the Evernight Church does have a good reputation. I think Lynn's suggestion is quite feasible."

"I agree," Leonard nodded repeatedly.

For them, Ian seeking help from the Evernight Church was the best outcome.

"I need to think about it..." Ian said, tightly gripping the hem of his shirt, clearly torn inside.

"You'd better decide soon. You don't have much time left," Lynn said, his voice almost cold.

"I understand... Thank you, Detective Sotos. I'll take my leave now," Ian said, bowing to Lynn before opening the door and leaving 15 Minsk Street.

Throughout the process, the other three in the room didn't stop him. The two Nighthawks exchanged glances, clearly on the same page.

Lynn pretended not to see the Nighthawks' exchanged glances. His demeanor, which had been cold and authoritative with Ian, relaxed almost instantly, and he flopped onto a chair like a limp fish, muttering, "Thank goodness, if Ian goes to the Evernight Church, this matter will soon be over."

He then looked up at Klein and said, "Sherlock, could you make me a cup of tea? All that talking made my mouth dry."

The sudden change in demeanor amused the two Nighthawks.

"Of course," Klein nodded, expertly preparing tea for the three of them. As he handed Lynn a cup, he joked, "Looks like our commission will be over soon."

"Yes, I think so too," Lynn agreed, taking a sip of tea and then remembering something. He smiled and said, "By the way, Sherlock, since you're new to Backlund, I'll introduce you to other detectives once this is over. I have good connections and know almost everyone in the detective circle here."

(End of Chapter)